Following what it seems to be a growing trend of turning old mines into touristic attractions, a defunct salt mine in the Romanian region of Transylvania has opened as an underground amusement park, history museum and spa.
After operating as a mine since the Roman Empire times until 1932, the former Turda Salt Mine (or Salina Turda) closed down to reopen for tourists in 1992.
It now looks like something from out of space.
Offering a unique climate, the mine is free of allergens and bacteria, which makes it idea for sufferers of hay fever or asthma. At 80% humidity it maintains a steady temperature of 11 to 12 degrees Celsius.
Its current attractions include a Ferris wheel, billiard tables, a mini-golf course, ping-pong, a bowling alley, and an underground lake with paddleboats.
It also holds a180-seat amphitheater to host the occasional concert.
To offset the darkness, bright lights hang vertically on strings from the 50-metre ceiling, illuminating dripping stalactites with a blue-tinged glow.
As the complex has grown in popularity over the last 20 years, Salina Turda has recently announced it will extend operations hours and schedule regular guided visits, begining August 15.